Mike McCarthy’s arrival could change everything for this Steelers fan favorite

With Mike McCarthy joining the Pittsburgh Steelers as their next Head Coach, the potential for Aaron Rodgers to return to the team in 2026 is suddenly a major storyline. The two spent 13 years together with the Green Bay Packers, with Aaron playing the majority of his future Hall of Fame career under his guidance. Despite a falling-out near the end of McCarthy's run with the Packers, their relationship seems to have been mended in the years since.

Still, bringing Rodgers back for his age-43 season is no guarantee, nor should it be. He struggled for the majority of his starts in 2025, and his athleticism has diminished to the point that reuniting with his old coach isn't going to suddenly unlock the MVP version of himself.

There is, however, a different Steelers quarterback that has reportedly caught McCarthy's eye.

NFL Network's Tom Pelissero broke down many things regarding McCarthy's hiring on Saturday, but one part of his reporting caught the attention of Steelers fans who want to see 2025 sixth-round pick Will Howard get a chance to play in 2026.

Pittsburgh Steelers QB Will Howard may get his chance under new HC Mike McCarthy

Pelissero brought up the QB position and what the potential options Pittsburgh will have, including Howard. The Steelers are supposedly high on him, but it's what he said McCarthy's feelings are about the young passer that believers in him will be paying attention to.

"My understanding is that Mike McCarthy also is very intrigued by the upside on Will Howard."

That comment feels noteworthy despite being rather vague, if for no other reason than the dire straits the Steelers' QB position is in right now. As I said previously, bringing Rodgers back for another season would be foolish, even if he might technically give them the best chance to win. That, unfortunately, may be the only thing the Steelers care about, but it's not like the other options are too good to pass up on.

Mason Rudolph has proven to be nothing more than a backup, and the free agent and NFL draft options are as scarce as they have been in quite some time. Howard represents an opportunity to find immense value at the position as a late-round pick, even if he tops out as a fringe-starter. If he proves he can handle it, he would give Pittsburgh a bridge starter who could at least make them look passable on offense until a franchise QB is found.

Most fans are susceptible to the late-round QB hype, but there is some merit to the idea that starting Howard could be the right move for the Steelers. If he is awful, he may help them land their next franchise guy. If he plays well, maybe they can wait until the perfect moment to get aggressive for an upgrade. If nothing else, he wouldn't be Aaron Rodgers.